Thread by @jrpevans

When I think about those at @hopeinGod who ( I humbly count myself among) desired to help our leaders hear the cries of the vulnerable there are common characteristics that should not be dismissed 🧵 (1/

We were bought in, hook, line, and sinker - to the cause of Bethlehem. When I say that I mean, many of us moved to be a part of the church and/or her para church ministry, (2/

We desired the Gospel to be spread to the uttermost parts of the world and counted the cost in every possible sense to be a part of that mission. (3/

Many of us, if not all, truly believed within our soul that our leaders weren’t able to see what we experienced or saw and if they did see then they would make thing right. (4/

We were hopeful.

Call it fool-hearty if you want, but I trusted our elders. I loved them so much, and I still do. I believed that they just didn’t know. (5/

I thought, if they knew they would do everything within their power to make changes. I was wrong.

We were met with an uphill battle that I did not foresee.

Yet, we spoke their language...intellect and facts.

We came the only way laid before us, with the help of elders. (6/

And yet still it was said that we (racial harmony proponents) did not come in the correct way with the right attitude. It was said that we should have been more humble.

I’m not sure what an appropriate approach would look like or would have actually been received well? (7/

Everyone, no matter what the grievance or concern being brought to leadership, was not met with a leader who desire to truly understand what was being said.

Rather we were met with performative ally ship. (8/

We were met with expressions of love and warmth in person, but behind our backs words were spoken against up by leadership.

And to make matters worse even to this day minority whistleblowers are not given the same attention as our white allies. (9/

Not that we need the attention, but it is an interesting thing to notice.

Lastly, I still love Bethlehem and her leaders deeply. I took my covenant seriously. I desired to see her walk in the fullness of the Gospel.

Yet, here I stand…often feeling alone, yet knowing…

I have an advocate before the throne, interceding on my behalf. Making my request known to the Father.

Whistle blowers - we are not alone. We surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. Saints who have gone before us.

Breath deep. Rest well, my friends. ❤️